Events

Inuksuit

On June 12, the Arnold Arboretum and Kadence Arts will host the Boston premiere of Inuksuit—a 75 minute work for percussion ensemble that is designed to heighten awareness of the sights and sounds that surround us every day. Composed by John Luther Adams and performed in major cities around the globe, the piece will feature nearly 90 New England-based percussionists, dispersed throughout the conifer collection of the Arnold Arboretum. Inuksuit is deeply influenced by John Luther Adams’ belief that “music can contribute to the awakening of our ecological understanding. By deepening our awareness of our connections to the earth, music can provide a sounding model for the renewal of human consciousness and culture.”

The Arnold Arboretum is opening its gates to Kadence Arts for this production. Kadence Arts has recruited an ensemble of professionals and students that will perform Inuksuit using conch shells, gongs, maracas, air horns, drums, sirens, cymbals, and glockenspiels, nestled among the trees of the Arboretum. Attendees will be encouraged to roam throughout the performance area, allowing for an individualized and personal listening experience.

John Luther Adams has been praised as “One of the most original musical thinkers of the new century” (Alex Ross, The New Yorker ). Adams was awarded the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Music for his symphonic work Become Ocean , and a 2015 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Classical Composition.

Presented jointly by the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and Kadence Arts. Directed by Maria Finkelmeier and Amy Garapic.

This event is open to all and is donation-based. As a self-funded organization, the Arnold Arboretum relies on the support of members, donors, and visitors to fund engaging programs for the public like Inuksuit, as well as the ongoing management and care of our landscape. Any amount is welcome, and helps maintain the Arboretum as a valuable community resource.